Archive for the ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids’ Category

According to an article in the WSJ , Melinda Beck states that many people are using omega-3 supplements to protect against various ailments, despite the fact that research on omega-3’s benefits is mixed. Recent research published in JAMA suggests that omega-3 fatty acids do not protect against heart attacks, strokes or deaths. Some medical associations, including the American Psychiatric Association, recommend regular consumption of fish rich in omega-3 for most people. Still, according to Paul Coates, director of the Office of Dietary Supplements, “There is no single answer here.” Coates adds, “Given that there is a potential for benefit, and the harm has not yet been fully explored, at reasonable levels of intake, it’s not a bad idea.”

The Wall Street Journal (9/15, Whalen) reports that scientists around the world are studying omega 3 fatty acids, which naturally occur in fatty fish and in flaxseeds, as a potential treatment for conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and heart disease to Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. Some researchers theorize that omega 3s may play a role in reducing inflammation. And, in some patients with Alzheimer’s who did not have the APOE4 gene, omega 3s appeared in one study to reduce the levels of amyloid proteins in the brain.

About the author

Adam Brandemihl, M.D., D.A.B.P.N. is a board certified psychiatrist in Dublin, Ohio. He treats adult patients and older teenagers with diagnoses ranging from ADHD, to anxiety and mood disorders. He was trained at The Ohio State University and is an avid sports fan. Appointments are generally available within one to two weeks by calling 614-766-5205. Learn more atBuckeye Psychiatry, LLC.